Cupcake, pizza challenge aids A Safe Place

PORTSMOUTH — The first floor of the Discover Portsmouth Center was covered in tiers of beautifully decorated cupcakes Saturday evening, while the second floor was a pizza connoisseur's haven.

Suzanne Laurent

PORTSMOUTH — The first floor of the Discover Portsmouth Center was covered in tiers of beautifully decorated cupcakes Saturday evening, while the second floor was a pizza connoisseur's haven.

A Safe Place was celebrating its 35th year of helping victims of domestic abuse by hosting a Cupcake & Pizza Challenge. Billed as a "fun event" to look at the positive changes made at A Safe Place over the years, more than 150 attendees were not disappointed.

"I kind of have to take a little breather," said Herb Novell of East Kingston, as he stepped outside for a little fresh air.

Novell's partner, Lori Dubois, was the recipient of the Distinguished Volunteer Service Award during the evening's festivities.

After using the services of A Safe Place 10 years ago, Dubois left her abusive relationship. She wanted to "give back," and she is now a co-facilitator for a support group in A Safe Place's Salem location since 2009.

"Tuesday night, when she volunteers, is the highlight of Lori's week," Novell said.

Lisa LeBlanc, executive director of A Safe Place, welcomed those in attendance and announced the Saving Lives & Creating Futures Awards that included the one Dubois received.

Kathy Jones, the direct service coordinator and domestic violence specialist at the Salem office, received the Distinguished Staff Service Award.

Jones began as a volunteer for A Safe Place in 1998. She is now on staff and is currently a liaison between the organization and the N.H. Division for Children, Youth and Families.

Marc Ouellette, vice president and marketing manager at People's United Bank, received the Outstanding Corporate Partnership Award.

While the three already mentioned knew of their awards, the recipient of the Outstanding Community Member Award was kept a surprise until the awards ceremony. This went to Brian Chick, a professional videographer who volunteered his time and expertise by producing videos for A Safe Place.

A Safe Place has been helping victims of domestic abuse since 1978, providing support services as well as a shelter for women and children. It serves 48 towns in Rockingham and Strafford counties with offices in Portsmouth, Rochester and Salem.

One of its original founders, Kate Lincoln of Madbury, was at the event Saturday.

"This started out as a grassroots organization," Lincoln said. "We took people into our own homes back then for shelter."

Eventually money was raised for what was to become the first shelter in the state. In fiscal year 2013, the shelter provided more than 2,103 bed nights.

The evening's keynote speaker was Lundy Bancroft, author of several books on domestic violence, including "Why Does He Do That?"

Bancroft is a former co-

director of Emerge, the nation's first counseling program for men who batter. He was also on hand to talk with guests and sign his books.

Tiffany McKenna, director of development for A Safe Place, was pleased with the evening's turnout.

"This event also launched awareness for Domestic Violence Month, which is October," she said.

Participating Portsmouth restaurants that donated pizza were Bratskellar, the Bread Box, Joe's New York Pizza, Portsmouth Gas Light Co., and the Thirsty Moose Taphouse. Additional pizzas were provided by Flatbread Co., Ron Jillian's and The Community Oven, all in Hampton, and Uno's Chicago Grill in Dover.

Ceres Bakery and Random Acts of Sweetness, both in Portsmouth, and On the Vine Marketplace and Clyde's Cupcakes, both in Exeter, provided cupcakes.

Pizza & Cupcake Challenge Winners

Best All Around Pizza — Uno's, Dover.

Best Sauce — Joe's N.Y. Pizza, Portsmouth.

Best Crust — Thirsty Moose Taphouse, Portsmouth.

Best Cheese — Ron Jillian's, Hampton.

Best Overall Cupcakes — Clyde's Cupcakes, Exeter.

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